Roebuck, writer and philanthropist, remembered

IT WAS the type of occasion, his close confidants say, that Peter Roebuck would have wanted.

By InvestSMART · 23 Dec 2011

By InvestSMART ·
23 Dec 2011

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IT WAS the type of occasion, his close confidants say, that Peter Roebuck would have wanted.

"Those of us who knew Peter well knew how he hated events, hated the elaborate, the superficial," said Mike Coward, who sat alongside Roebuck in press boxes around the world.

"All of us who are here because we want to remember the Peter we knew, to thank him for his time among us and for a remarkable body of work."

And it was in the Members Stand of the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday that colleagues, readers and listeners of The Sydney Morning Herald and Age cricket writer and ABC commentator did just that.

They remembered a man Coward described as a social justice crusader, cricketer, captain, coach, mentor, commentator, writer, and philanthropist.

ABC commentator Jim Maxwell, who was with Roebuck before he died in South Africa last month, said he had been inspired by his wisdom, knowledge and commitment to enriching young lives.

"He loved to challenge us with his gift of language, his knowledge of the game, his downright contrariness, and it all made for stimulating broadcasting and stimulating writing," he said.

Roebuck's signature straw hat was passed around for a collection for the African students he was supporting. The Age and the Herald each pledged $5000 and Maxwell $3000.

Roebuck's superannuation is also to be used to keep up the financial support for the 10-bedroom home called Sunrise in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, for young men to live while attending university.

South African police are still investigating 55-year-old Roebuck's death. At the time, two police officers had been questioning him about a sexual assault allegation made by a 26-year-old Zimbabwean man.

A Melbourne gathering to remember Roebuck will be held next Wednesday, 7-9 pm at Hogan Gallery, 310 Smith Street, Collingwood.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

Who was Peter Roebuck and why is he being remembered?

The article describes Peter Roebuck as a well-known cricket figure — a cricketer, captain, coach, mentor, commentator and writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age — and a philanthropist and social justice crusader. Colleagues, readers and listeners gathered to thank him for his remarkable body of work and his commitment to enriching young lives.

What happened at the Sydney Cricket Ground memorial for Peter Roebuck?

Colleagues and friends gathered in the Members Stand of the Sydney Cricket Ground to remember Roebuck. Speakers including Mike Coward and ABC commentator Jim Maxwell praised his wisdom, knowledge and distinctive style. Roebuck’s signature straw hat was passed around to raise money for the African students he supported.

Which philanthropic projects did Roebuck support, according to the article?

The article says Roebuck supported African students and funded a 10-bedroom home called Sunrise in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, which houses young men while they attend university. His superannuation is to be used to continue the financial support for that home.

How were donations and pledges made to support the African students Roebuck backed?

At the memorial, Roebuck’s straw hat was passed around to collect money for the African students. The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald each pledged $5,000, and Jim Maxwell pledged $3,000, according to the article.

What does the article say about the circumstances and investigation into Roebuck's death?

The article reports that Roebuck, 55, died in South Africa last month and that South African police were still investigating. It also states that two police officers had been questioning him about an allegation of sexual assault made by a 26-year-old Zimbabwean man.

When and where were other memorial gatherings for Roebuck scheduled?

The article notes a Melbourne gathering to remember Roebuck scheduled for next Wednesday from 7–9 pm at Hogan Gallery, 310 Smith Street, Collingwood.

How did colleagues describe Roebuck’s broadcasting and writing style?

Colleagues described him as stimulating and challenging: Jim Maxwell said Roebuck inspired others with his wisdom, knowledge and gift of language and that his contrariness made for stimulating broadcasting and writing. Mike Coward highlighted Roebuck’s dislike of superficial events and praised his significant work and commitment to social justice.

What financial legacy for students does the article highlight that everyday investors might find notable?

The article highlights that Roebuck’s superannuation has been designated to keep up financial support for the Sunrise house in Pietermaritzburg, ensuring ongoing housing and support for young men attending university — an example in the article of a public figure directing retirement funds toward philanthropic purposes.